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Help me choosing a pre phono and TT matching

nicolonez

nicolonez

New Member
Hi to all!
I'm here to ask your opinion regarding a new phono pre-amp for my main system.

Actually, I have a Dual 1019 TT with AT95E connected to a tube Fisher KX-100 amp, and I'd like to make a step-up. In particular, I have these cartridges to choose from:

- Pickering XSV3000 (with LP Gear Vivid Line aftermarket stylus);
- MoFi Studiotracker MM cartridge;
- EMPIRE 4000 DI with original stylus;
- Denon DL-103 MC.

I'm looking for a good phono pre-amp (max. 400€) and after trying the ifi Zen Phono that I didn't like, I'm stuck between these two:

1. MoFi Studiophono;
2. Pro Ject Tube box S2

The speakers are JBL 4311 (full alnico version). I like 60-70's rock, blues, jazz and indie music.

What's your opinion of these two pre-amps? And what could be a nice match between the TT/cartridge/pre-phono?

Thanks
Nicola
 
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nicolonez said:
Will I have “problems” with one or more of the cartridges to match the tonearm mass (11-12g I think)?
Click to expand...

I think 11-12g would be called medium mass, so that should be good to go with a whole mess of Cartridges out there.

I gather what you need is a Moving Magnet Phono Stage, correct? There's tons out there, and good doesn't have to cost you a Kidney.
 
markd51 said:
I think 11-12g would be called medium mass, so that should be good to go with a whole mess of Cartridges out there.

I gather what you need is a Moving Magnet Phono Stage, correct? There's tons out there, and good doesn't have to cost you a Kidney.
Click to expand...

I’m looking for a MM/MC phono pre-amp because I have also the Denon DL-103 and the tube Fisher doesn’t have an MC phono stage.

I’m asking what you think is the best matching with cartridges I have and the Dual 1019, and also between the Pro-Ject Tube Box s2 and the MoFi StudioPhono should be the “right” choice.
 
How about a decent step up transformer? You may need to spend a little more to get something nice, though. You should be able to find a Denon SUT within your budget. Otherwise, you will likely want a 20:1 SUT to get you in the 6mv range (on the DL-103.)
 
nicolonez said:
I’m looking for a MM/MC phono pre-amp because I have also the Denon DL-103 and the tube Fisher doesn’t have an MC phono stage.

I’m asking what you think is the best matching with cartridges I have and the Dual 1019, and also between the Pro-Ject Tube Box s2 and the MoFi StudioPhono should be the “right” choice.
Click to expand...

I'd go for the Pro-Ject Tube box and a pair of good 12AX7 tubes.
 
Mr Boochie said:
I'd go for the Pro-Ject Tube box and a pair of good 12AX7 tubes.
Click to expand...

And what about the compatibility with the Fisher KX-100 Tube amp that I'm running? I love its warm warm sound; maybe adding a tube pre-amp is not necessary? This is my doubt regarding the Pro-Ject tube phono.
 
The Denon DL-103R is going to need a stand alone phono pre-amp with enough gain. Or a step-up transformer.

With a phono pre-amp you'll will need to plug it into an unused AUX or TAPE input. So, the signal will see most of the Fisher's tubes (only bypassing the built-in phono stage). :)
 
nicolonez said:
Hi to all!
I'm looking for a good phono pre-amp (max. 400€) and after trying the ifi Zen Phono that I didn't like, I'm stuck between these two:

1. MoFi Studiophono;
2. Pro Ject Tube box S2

Nicola
Click to expand...
Strange you didn't like the Zen Phono, which is perfect for the Denon 103. Too much bright for you maybe?
 
releone71 said:
Strange you didn't like the Zen Phono, which is perfect for the Denon 103. Too much bright for you maybe?
Click to expand...

the problem was that I didn’t feel/hear any difference between the ifi and the Fisher phono stage… but I didn’t try it with the Denon 103.
 
nicolonez said:
the problem was that I didn’t feel/hear any difference between the ifi and the Fisher phono stage… but I didn’t try it with the Denon 103.
Click to expand...
Well...if that is the problem I would think the phono stage in the Fisher is very good. :)
But you probably disagree, isn't it? What do you expect from a new phono stage?
 
The AT95 is a relatively bright cartridge so if you are wanting less 'bright' and more 'full' I'd change the cart first.

The Zen iFi is definitely a decent pre so if you didn't hear much of a difference, I'd say either the Fisher has a really good pre or your system isn't resolving enough to show the difference.

Are those carts you listed local to you or do you have a buddy that has them? I have an Empire 3000 with an upgraded stylus that I feel is very good. Very lively. I'd call it balanced, not really 'full' in my opinion.

The 103 is a great cart in many ways but as mentioned, you'll need an MC-capable pre or a step up transformer so unless you're getting a scorching deal on the cart, this will be a fairly costly option to try and the stylus isn't easily/user replaceable on the 103.
 
While some people don’t like the idea of a phono pre that’s made in China, the EAR “clone” I have, sounds superb. Read up on these EAR copies; they’re very popular with folks on Lencoheaven forums..

755090AC-39DD-445E-85EA-189723C74217.jpeg

The above will work very nicely with all of your MM and MI cartridges, and if you add a SUT, with your MC as well.
 
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